Super Mario 64 DS Review
Super Mario 64 launched the N64 and got stellar reviews across the board and Super Mario 64 DS recaptures all the magic of the original. Super Mario 64 DS is probably the strongest launch title for the DS and is a game definitely worth getting. Now for those that own a DS and donât own this game, just save yourself some time, Stop reading this review and go buy the game.
Gameplay
The main objective in this 3-D platformer is to collect the stars to eventually beat the game. The star quests start off simple and slowly progress in difficulty at a reasonable pace. The stars keep the game new with 150 stars this time, rather than the 120 stars found in the original. Along with new stars in this game, new characters also come along to give Mario a hand this time around. Wario, Luigi, and Yoshi are all playable characters and are integrated essentials to the games game-play. The new characters in the game add a new level of complexity to puzzles and the game itself. Along with new characters and stars, there is a bit of a hat trick in this game. Each character only being able to use certain transforming hats from the original makes each character differently suited to different stars. Along with the old hats there is also three new hat skills which make the game more fun. The game-play in this game is very similar to the original, but the new characters and hats bring the game-play to a whole new level.
Game-play: 9/10
Story
This game has the same basic story as every other Super Mario Brotherâs game, but somehow the basic and simple story is captivating and compelling. No major plot twists no major changes in who the evil character is, just a straight forward story line with a definite objective. The story is so simple its original yet reused. Most games these days make you think you know the story until that plot twist happens and its refreshing, even as unexpected as those plot twists may be, to see a game without them is refreshing in its own little way. The basic story worked back in the 80âs with Super Mario Brothers on the NES, and the story is just as new and original today as it was back then.
Story: 8/10
Controls
This game took noticeable criticism for using a D-pad rather than an analog stick for control, but the difference is almost negligible. There are a few points in the game where you will notice the difference of the D-pad, but for the most part the D-pad works great. Along with the D-pad there is also the option of using the touch screen for control. The touch screen is a little more difficult to get use to, but is beneficial in some parts of the game. Overall the controls in this game work well, and the jump, punch, duck and view buttons are well placed on the DS. Controls in this are a non issue.
Controls: 9/10
Multiplayer
It was only natural to add in a multiplayer feature, but this is where the game lacks the most. The multiplayer stages are fast paced with limited arenas and options. The multiplayer can become redundant, especially if you don't know that many people with a DS. While still fun with less, it is best played with 4 people. Although Nintendo could have easily created multiplayer co-op in the game which would have added a lot more.
Multiplayer: 7/10

Graphics
Super Mario 64 DS shows off the 3-D graphics that the DS is capable off and has noticeably better graphics than the N64 version. Along with having great graphics technically, the games colorful worlds draw you in seemingly shutting out the outside world you are physically in. The graphics were good in the original, but were improved in this version and it only adds to the game to make it even better.
Graphics: 9/10
Sound
One thing that people never talk about is the DS' stereo speakers. This game definitely demonstrates this feature very well, giving you a pretty good idea of how far off objects are by the sounds alone. Along with the good use of sound effects and surround sound effects, the music is a definite strong point in the game. The music in Super Mario 64 DS is addictive and wonderful like most other Mario games. You may find yourself humming some of the tunes in the shower on on your way to work, along with just having a few of the songs stuck in your head for a few days. The game has beautiful music that suits each level perfectly further increasing the fun of the whole experience.
Sound: 9/10
Use of DS Innovation
When you are choosing a new game to get for you DS, one of the deciding factors is probably going to be how much the game uses the DS' great new features. Super Mario 64 does use the dual screens and graphics, but in the main game the bottom screen is only used as a map and touch pad for control. The game takes a bit of a dive in using the touch screen in the main game, although the map is very helpful, but regains all of it with the mini games. Super Mario 64 DSâs mini games incorporate the touch screen very well with combinations of brain games, speed thinking games, and just fun slot machine games. The game did not have to have any of these mini games in the game and it would still be a good game, but the mini games are almost reason enough to purchase the game.
Use of DS Innovation: 8/10
Conclusion
This game recaptures the magic of the original and with fun extras this game will keep you coming back for more. The mini games are fabulous and will keep you playing the game long after you have gotten 150 stars. This is definitely a title that is not to be missed and is a good game for anyone. So next time your considering a new DS game, just pick up this game, you wonât be disappointed.
Overall: 8.9/10
-Ultimate Zelda Guru horse racing games
Gameplay
The main objective in this 3-D platformer is to collect the stars to eventually beat the game. The star quests start off simple and slowly progress in difficulty at a reasonable pace. The stars keep the game new with 150 stars this time, rather than the 120 stars found in the original. Along with new stars in this game, new characters also come along to give Mario a hand this time around. Wario, Luigi, and Yoshi are all playable characters and are integrated essentials to the games game-play. The new characters in the game add a new level of complexity to puzzles and the game itself. Along with new characters and stars, there is a bit of a hat trick in this game. Each character only being able to use certain transforming hats from the original makes each character differently suited to different stars. Along with the old hats there is also three new hat skills which make the game more fun. The game-play in this game is very similar to the original, but the new characters and hats bring the game-play to a whole new level.
Game-play: 9/10
Story
This game has the same basic story as every other Super Mario Brotherâs game, but somehow the basic and simple story is captivating and compelling. No major plot twists no major changes in who the evil character is, just a straight forward story line with a definite objective. The story is so simple its original yet reused. Most games these days make you think you know the story until that plot twist happens and its refreshing, even as unexpected as those plot twists may be, to see a game without them is refreshing in its own little way. The basic story worked back in the 80âs with Super Mario Brothers on the NES, and the story is just as new and original today as it was back then.
Story: 8/10
Controls
This game took noticeable criticism for using a D-pad rather than an analog stick for control, but the difference is almost negligible. There are a few points in the game where you will notice the difference of the D-pad, but for the most part the D-pad works great. Along with the D-pad there is also the option of using the touch screen for control. The touch screen is a little more difficult to get use to, but is beneficial in some parts of the game. Overall the controls in this game work well, and the jump, punch, duck and view buttons are well placed on the DS. Controls in this are a non issue.
Controls: 9/10
Multiplayer
It was only natural to add in a multiplayer feature, but this is where the game lacks the most. The multiplayer stages are fast paced with limited arenas and options. The multiplayer can become redundant, especially if you don't know that many people with a DS. While still fun with less, it is best played with 4 people. Although Nintendo could have easily created multiplayer co-op in the game which would have added a lot more.
Multiplayer: 7/10

Graphics
Super Mario 64 DS shows off the 3-D graphics that the DS is capable off and has noticeably better graphics than the N64 version. Along with having great graphics technically, the games colorful worlds draw you in seemingly shutting out the outside world you are physically in. The graphics were good in the original, but were improved in this version and it only adds to the game to make it even better.
Graphics: 9/10
Sound
One thing that people never talk about is the DS' stereo speakers. This game definitely demonstrates this feature very well, giving you a pretty good idea of how far off objects are by the sounds alone. Along with the good use of sound effects and surround sound effects, the music is a definite strong point in the game. The music in Super Mario 64 DS is addictive and wonderful like most other Mario games. You may find yourself humming some of the tunes in the shower on on your way to work, along with just having a few of the songs stuck in your head for a few days. The game has beautiful music that suits each level perfectly further increasing the fun of the whole experience.
Sound: 9/10
Use of DS Innovation
When you are choosing a new game to get for you DS, one of the deciding factors is probably going to be how much the game uses the DS' great new features. Super Mario 64 does use the dual screens and graphics, but in the main game the bottom screen is only used as a map and touch pad for control. The game takes a bit of a dive in using the touch screen in the main game, although the map is very helpful, but regains all of it with the mini games. Super Mario 64 DSâs mini games incorporate the touch screen very well with combinations of brain games, speed thinking games, and just fun slot machine games. The game did not have to have any of these mini games in the game and it would still be a good game, but the mini games are almost reason enough to purchase the game.
Use of DS Innovation: 8/10
Conclusion
This game recaptures the magic of the original and with fun extras this game will keep you coming back for more. The mini games are fabulous and will keep you playing the game long after you have gotten 150 stars. This is definitely a title that is not to be missed and is a good game for anyone. So next time your considering a new DS game, just pick up this game, you wonât be disappointed.
Overall: 8.9/10
-Ultimate Zelda Guru horse racing games






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